Action on Armed Violence welcomed the UN’s recent call for action on the problem of explosive weapon use in populated areas. In his statement to the Security Council debate on the protection of civilians on 7 July 2010, the UN Under-Secretary General (USG) for Humanitarian Affairs, John Holmes, highlighted the use of explosive weapons in populated areas as one of five main issues regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

The USG stated that this is due to the unacceptably high levels of harm repeatedly caused to civilians and urged the Security Council to begin a dialogue on ways to tackle the problem of explosive weapons.

Mr. Holmes emphasized both the threats posed to civilians from explosive weapons at the time of their use across a range of countries, as well as the deadly risks posed to civilians by landmines and cluster munitions long after conflicts have ended.